NASA is testing its super pressure balloon technology, its sixth campaign in New Zealand since 2015. The most recent were two successful launches in 2023.
The United States’ space agency successfully launched a balloon on April 17 this year, and is now ready to launch the second and final balloon of this year's campaign.
A launch attempt scheduled for today was cancelled.
NASA will begin flight preparations early on Saturday morning and continue to evaluate real-time and forecast weather conditions for surface and low-level winds throughout the morning.
If weather is favourable for a launch, lift-off is scheduled between 9am and 1pm.
The stadium-sized, heavy-lift balloons will travel the southern hemisphere’s mid-latitudes for planned missions of 100 days or more.
The first balloon has nearly flown around the world. On Thursday, it was southwest of Perth.
It is carrying instruments to take measurements more than 100km above the Earth’s surface. This would help scientists predict changes in the ionosphere, which affected communication and navigation systems.
The second flight would support several scientific missions, including measuring light and sound waves in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Airport closed during launch
Wānaka Airport will be closed to the public and aircraft, and roadside parking beside the airport is not allowed on the morning of a launch attempt.
State Highway 6 (Wanaka-Luggate Highway) from Mt Barker to Church Rd and SH8A Shortcut Rd may be closed for the launch.
Light vehicles may detour via Camp Hill Rd. Heavy vehicles will detour via Cemetery Rd. A message board will be installed on SH84 notifying of motorists of the closure status.
Viewing points
Immediately after lift-off, the balloon will be visible for kilometres around. The best viewing points will be on the hill on the Hāwea side of the Red Bridge by Kane Rd or on the Hāwea Flat side of the Clutha River.
— APL
